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President Joe Biden will nominate a former Obama administration official to lead the Federal Aviation Administration after his first choice withdrew March after running into opposition from Republican senators. Whitaker's nomination had been expected for months, and Biden's announcement was praised by several industry and labor groups. The FAA, which regulates airline safety and manages the nation's airspace, has been run by back-to-back acting administrators since March 2022. The first, Billy Nolen, who left FAA in June to join another air taxi company, Archer Aviation, praised Whitaker's nomination in a recent interview. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, urged the Senate to confirm Biden’s pick quickly.

Persons: Joe Biden, Obama, Biden, Michael G, Whitaker, Phillip Washington, Kyrsten Sinema, Sen, Ted Cruz, Biden's, Mike, ” Cruz, Stephen Dickson, Donald Trump, Billy Nolen, “, ”, ” Nicholas Calio, Sara Nelson, “ Whitaker Organizations: Federal Aviation Administration, Republican, FAA, Hyundai, TWA, American Airlines, United Airlines, Denver International Airport, Senate, Washington, GOP, Archer Aviation, Airlines for, Association of Flight Locations: InterGlobe, India, United States, Denver, Ted Cruz of Texas, Airlines for America

☆ Dangerously close near-miss incidents across the US are a wakeup call to the aviation industry
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The New York Times cited a shortage of air traffic controllers as a significant factor in the string of close calls. During breakout sessions at the safety summit, officials offered theories like inexperienced first officers and overworked air traffic controllers as contributing to the near-disasters. The Times pointed to the challenges surrounding air traffic controllers, in particular, as a root cause. "Air traffic controllers and pilots all play critical roles." While technology is important, Brickhouse says humans are still essential to aviation safety.

Persons: John F, Billy Nolen, Anna Moneymaker, Tim Arel, Anthony Brickhouse, Kathleen Bangs, Tami Chappell, Austin isn't, Brickhouse Organizations: Federal Aviation Administration, New York Times, Morning, Delta Air Lines Boeing, Kennedy International Airport, American Airlines Boeing, Delta, FedEx Boeing, Southwest Boeing, JetBlue Airways, Times, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Boeing, FAA, Air Traffic Organization, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Delta Air Lines, Hartsfield Jackson, International Airport, REUTERS, Southwest, FedEx, New, JFK, Aviation Locations: Austin , Texas, Denver, Tenerife, Spain, Atlanta , Georgia, U.S, Austin, New York

☆ Archer shares jump on air taxi deal with US Air Force
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 31 (Reuters) - Archer Aviation (ACHR.N) shares jumped as much as 33% on Monday after the air taxi maker entered into a deal to provide up to six of its "Midnight" aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. The deal, worth up to $142 million, includes delivery of vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, pilot training, development of maintenance and repair operations, and share data such as additional flight test and certification-related test reports. The California-based company in May completed the final assembly of its first "Midnight" (eVTOL) aircraft. It can carry four passengers and a pilot and has a range of up to 100 miles (160.9 km). Last month, Joby Aviation (JOBY.N), which also has a deal with the U.S. Air Force, said it would deliver the first two electric aircraft in March 2024 to the Edwards Air Force Base after completing their initial testing.

Persons: Archer, Billy Nolen, Archer's, Pratyush Thakur, Maju Samuel Organizations: Archer Aviation, U.S . Air Force, Joby Aviation, Edwards Air Force Base, Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Thomson Locations: California, Bengaluru

☆ Flying taxis look even closer to takeoff after a former top FAA official joins a big eVTOL company. Meet Archer's Midnight — which United wants to fly in 2025.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Electric planemaker Archer Aviation is one of the most promising eVTOL startups in the US. Overseeing safety is the former acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Billy Nolen. His appointment comes ahead of Archer's upcoming Midnight eVTOL, which United plans to fly. In June, former acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Billy Nolen, stepped away from the regulator to become Archer's chief safety officer. Archer has already produced a full-sized mockup of its upcoming eVTOL known as Midnight, which Nolen said is still on track to start commercial flights in early 2025 despite some regulatory hiccups.

Persons: Billy Nolen, Archer, Nolen Organizations: Archer Aviation, Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation, FAA, Paris Air Show Locations: Los Angeles, Paris

☆ The former acting head of the FAA is now overseeing safety at a new electric aircraft company — and it's a good sign for takeoff. Meet Archer's Midnight eVTOL.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Electric planemaker Archer Aviation is one of the most promising eVTOL startups in the US. Overseeing safety is the former acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Billy Nolen. His appointment comes ahead of Archer's upcoming Midnight eVTOL, which United plans to fly. One of the highest authorities on aircraft safety in the US just placed his bets on startup electric planemaker Archer Aviation, representing how close the world could be to this new era of air travel. In June, former acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Billy Nolen, stepped away from the regulator to become Archer's chief safety officer.

Persons: Billy Nolen, Archer, Nolen Organizations: Archer Aviation, Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation, FAA, Paris Air Show Locations: Los Angeles, Paris

☆ Fmr. acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen explains the reasons behind recent U.S. flight disruptions
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFmr. acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen explains the reasons behind recent U.S. flight disruptionsFormer FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the recent U.S. air traffic disruptions and how airlines and the FAA are addressing the issues, staffing shortages, and more.

Persons: Billy Nolen Organizations: FAA

☆ Fmr. FAA Administrator Billy Nolen explains the biggest challenge facing the agency
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-13 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFmr. FAA Administrator Billy Nolen explains the biggest challenge facing the agencyCNBC’s Phil LeBeau and former FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen join 'Squawk Box' to discuss why he left the FAA, the hiring challenges facing the agency, and more.

Persons: Billy Nolen, Phil LeBeau Organizations: FAA

☆ Archer Aviation hires former acting FAA administrator
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-13 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, June 13 (Reuters) - Air taxi maker Archer Aviation (ACHR.N) said on Tuesday former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acting administrator Billy Nolen had joined the company as chief safety officer. California-based Archer said in May it had completed final assembly of its first "Midnight" electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In March, Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington withdrew his nomination to serve as FAA administrator after Republican criticism. Last week, the U.S. Transportation Department announced Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg was taking over as acting head of the FAA. She is also retaining her role as USDOT but focused on FAA, a department spokesperson said.

Persons: Billy Nolen, Archer, Billy, ” Adam Goldstein, Nolen, Phil Washington, Polly Trottenberg, Joe Biden, Katie Thomson, Bradley Mims, David Shepardson, Aishwarya Nair, Anil D'Silva, Emelia Organizations: Air, Archer Aviation, Aviation Administration, FAA, Reuters, Denver International, U.S . Transportation Department, Thomson Locations: California, Washington, Bengaluru

☆ Deputy US Transportation chief expected to be FAA’s interim leader
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, June 4 (Reuters) - Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg is expected to be named Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) next interim leader, two sources told Reuters on Sunday. Acting FAA administrator Billy Nolen is expected to leave the agency on Friday, officials told Reuters last week. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating six runway incursion events since January including some that could have been catastrophic. Reuters earlier reported that Nolen is expected to take a position with electric air taxi firm Archer Aviation (ACHR.N) after he leaves the FAA. The FAA, White House and Transportation Department did not respond to requests for comment.

Persons: Polly Trottenberg, Billy Nolen, Trottenberg, Nolen, Barack Obama, Charles Schumer, Phil Washington, David Shepardson, Kanjyik Ghosh, Diane Craft Organizations: U.S, Transportation, Federal Aviation, FAA, Sunday, Street Journal, Reuters, United, National Transportation Safety, Archer Aviation, New York City’s, U.S . Senate, Denver International, White House and Transportation Department, Thomson Locations: United States, U.S, New York, Washington, Bengaluru

☆ FAA Plans New Sky Lanes for Air Taxis
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Andrew Tangel | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Acting FAA chief Billy Nolen expects a widespread rollout of air taxis that will transform transportation, if regulators get it right. U.S. air-safety regulators are planning for new traffic lanes in the sky, intended to accommodate flying taxis being developed by startups and backed by major airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration expects the planned air taxis—electric vehicles designed to fly quietly—to initially buzz around American cities as soon as next year much as helicopters do today, said Billy Nolen, the agency’s acting administrator.

☆ FAA Acting Chief Billy Nolen to Depart
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Andrew Tangel | Alison Sider | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Billy Nolen has taken himself out of consideration by the White House to fill the job permanently. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesThe Federal Aviation Administration faces a potential leadership vacuum as its acting chief, Billy Nolen, has decided to leave the U.S. air-safety regulator. Mr. Nolen announced his departure plans Friday in a letter to agency employees. He plans to leave the agency sometime this summer, according to his letter.

☆ Top F.A.A. Official Says He Will Depart, Aggravating Leadership Void
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Mark Walker | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON — The acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Billy Nolen, on Friday said he will depart this summer, worsening a leadership void at the agency. The departure of Mr. Nolen, a former pilot and airline industry group executive, was announced in a letter to F.A.A. The aviation regulator has been without permanent leadership since Stephen Dickson, a former Delta Air Lines executive who was appointed by President Donald J. Trump, stepped down a year ago. Last month, President Biden’s pick to lead the F.A.A., Phillip A. Washington, withdrew his name from consideration after a series of attacks from Republicans on his qualifications to hold the post. They had argued that Mr. Washington, the chief executive of Denver International Airport, lacked sufficient aviation experience, and raised questions about his connection to a corruption investigation in Los Angeles.

☆ US FAA refers more unruly airline passengers to FBI
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The FAA last year said its zero-tolerance policy for addressing unruly passengers would become permanent even after the end of a mask mandate onboard airplanes that was tied to most of the earlier reported incidents. Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen said on Thursday the agency has "zero tolerance for unruly behavior." FBI Assistant Director Luis Quesada said the agency "will continue to work with our FAA partners to ensure the safety of all passengers and to combat violence aboard commercial flights." Reported unruly passenger incidents rose by almost 500% in 2021 to 5,981, which included 4,290 mask-related incidents. The FAA opened investigations into 831 unruly passenger incidents in 2022, up from 146 in 2019, but down from 1,099 in 2021.

☆ Exclusive: Biden nominee to head FAA withdraws after Republican criticism
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

WASHINGTON, March 25 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's nominee to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is withdrawing his nomination after Republican criticism that he was not qualified to serve as the top aviation regulator. Last year, Biden nominated Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington to serve as FAA administrator. A White House official had earlier told Reuters "politics must not hold up confirming an administrator to lead the FAA, and we will move expeditiously to nominate a new candidate for FAA administrator." Some industry officials think the White House could name acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen as a new nominee. Nolen, who was named head of the FAA's aviation safety office, has been the acting FAA administrator since April 2022 and has received backing from many Republicans in Congress.

☆ Exclusive: Biden nominee to head FAA withdraws after Republican attacks
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Last year, Biden nominated Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington to serve as FAA administrator. One of the sources, a White House official, told Reuters that "an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks on Mr. Washington’s service and experience irresponsibly delayed this process, threatened unnecessary procedural hurdles on the Senate floor, and ultimately have led him to withdraw his nomination today." The White House official added "politics must not hold up confirming an Administrator to lead the FAA, and we will move expeditiously to nominate a new candidate for FAA Administrator." Some industry official think the White House could name acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen as a new nominee. Nolen, who was named head of the FAA's aviation safety office, has been the acting FAA administrator since April 2022 and has garnered wide support from Republicans in Congress.

☆ Biden’s pick to lead FAA withdraws amid shaky Senate support
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Phillip A. Washington speaks at a nomination hearing with the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Capitol Hill on March 01, 2023 in Washington, DC. Democrats and allied independents still might have pushed the nomination through, but key senators on their side balked at supporting Biden's pick. "The FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and Phil Washington's transportation & military experience made him an excellent nominee," Buttigieg tweeted Saturday night. He has strong ties to the administration, however — he led Biden's 2020 transition team for the Transportation Department, which includes the FAA. "Given the significant challenges facing the FAA, this wasn't the time for an administrator who needed on-the-job training," he said.

☆ FAA launches new plan to avoid flight delays in NYC, DC this summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The agency said it will reduce flight requirements for airlines' take off and landing rights to avoid congestion. Airline executives have repeatedly complained about air traffic control shortfalls contributing to flight disruptions as air travel sprang back from pandemic lows in the past few years. Airlines last summer also reduced their schedules to avoid delays as they dealt with their own staffing issues and other strains. The FAA said it expects increased delays in the New York City area this summer compared with last year, projecting a 45% rise in delays with operations growing 7%. Later this month, the FAA will hold a summit with airlines about other ways it can ease disruptions in the area.

☆ U.S. must address rise in aviation close calls - officials
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

McLEAN, Virginia, March 15 (Reuters) - Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday the United States cannot wait for the next "catastrophic event" to address an uptick in aviation close calls that sparked alarm. "We have seen an uptick in serious close calls that we must address together. National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy said the board has issued seven recommendations on runway collisions that have not been acted on. "There have been far too many close calls," Homendy said at the summit. "In light of the recent close calls and the attention being focused on even routine go-arounds — are we emphasizing efficiency over safety?

☆ USDOT defends 'fully qualified' Biden aviation nominee
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, March 9 (Reuters) - The Biden administration told Congress on Thursday its pick to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is fully qualified and does not violate a law requiring civilian leadership. Republicans question whether Denver International Airport Chief Executive Officer Phil Washington has the required aviation experience needed to serve as top U.S. aviation regulator. Cruz said on Wednesday that Washington was "unable to answer basic safety questions about the 737 MAX crashes, aircraft certification, and how a pilot might react when a system malfunctions." "Surveying the leadership of the aviation field supports this fact overwhelmingly. Washington this week won backing of three former FAA administrators and the chief executive of Frontier Airlines (ULCC.O).

It's about six months between when it's certified and we can put it into service," Jordan told reporters at an Aero Club event in Washington. Jordan said his "best guess" is it will be in service by Southwest in early 2024. Boeing said it continues to work with the FAA to meet the requirements for MAX 7 and MAX 10 certification. Boeing has unfilled orders of 388 737 MAXs for Southwest and 271 of those are for MAX 7s. Jordan added that, if MAX 7 entry into service is delayed, Boeing will deliver additional MAX 8s to Southwest this year in lieu of MAX 7s.

☆ U.S. aviation regulator boosting safety staff
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, March 8 (Reuters) - The acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday the agency plans add nearly 300 employees to its safety office as it ramps up oversight following two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes. Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen told the Senate Commerce Committee the aviation safety office, which currently has 7,489 employees, plans to have 7,775 by the end of September. The committee is holding a hearing on FAA safety reforms directed by Congress in 2020 after the 737 MAX crashes killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. Reporting by David ShepardsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. FAA, NTSB probe new airline runway incident
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating a string of recent runway incursions that have attracted national attention. The FAA said the American Airlines flight crew discontinued the landing after the controller advised that the Air Canada aircraft was departing. The aircraft were about 3,100 feet (945 meters) apart when the American Airlines jet began its climb-out, the FAA said. The FAA will hold a March 15 safety summit and is forming a team of experts to review airline safety after several recent near-miss incidents. The FedEx plane had been set to land on a runway on which a Southwest Airlines jet was also cleared to depart.

☆ US Senate panel to hold March 8 hearing on FAA reform efforts
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday said it would hold a March 8 hearing on efforts by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reform how it certifies new airplanes after two Boeing 737 MAX crashes killed 346 people. Congress in 2020 passed sweeping reforms to address FAA certification efforts after the fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 raised safety questions about the agency's airplane certification program. The FAA in January named a panel to review Boeing’s safety management processes and how they influence the company's safety culture. The FAA in September finalized a policy to protect aviation employees who perform government certification duties from interference by Boeing and others. The FAA continues to subject Boeing to enhanced oversight, inspecting all new Boeing 737 MAXs and 787s before they can be delivered.

“The Learjet pilot read back the instructions clearly but began a takeoff roll instead,” the FAA said in a statement. The NTSB says neither airplane was damaged and nobody on board was hurt. The FedEx plane, meanwhile, climbed as its crew aborted their landing to help avoid a collision, the FAA said. Air traffic controllers had “noticed another aircraft crossing the runway in front of the departing jetliner,” the FAA said in a statement. Audio recordings detail swift action by an air traffic controller kept the airplanes from colliding as they drew closer.

☆ Another 'close call': A JetBlue flight landing in Boston had to take 'evasive action' to avoid a private jet that crossed the runway
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A JetBlue flight landing at a Massachusetts airport had a "close call" with a private jet, the FAA said. The JetBlue pilot had to take "evasive action" to avoid the private jet on the runway on Monday. "The pilot of the JetBlue aircraft took evasive action and initiated a climb-out as the Learjet crossed the intersection," said the FAA. Two weeks ago, FAA acting administrator Billy Nolen issued a "safety call to action" following recent near-catastrophic "close calls" on runways and other plane incidents. And in February, a landing FedEx plane in Texas had to pull up at the last minute to avoid landing on a Southwest flight that was headed to Cancun.

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